KTM 125 Duke: The full story of the definitive learner ‘naked’

The KTM 125 Duke has been one of the most striking, entertaining and desirable A1 learner class roadsters ever since its introduction in 2011. A junior, entry-level brother to the Austrian firm’s other 200, 390, 690, 790 and 890 Duke ‘nakeds’, the 125 shares those bikes’ sharp styling, compact design and performance focus but although simple and lightweight, it has quality equipment and cycle parts, now including a TFT dash and sports suspension and brakes.

With a punchy, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivering a fruity sound through its exhaust, the 125 Duke is one of the best performing learner bikes. And with sharp, nimble steering, quality suspension and powerful brakes it’s one of the best-handling, too. As a result, the KTM 125 Duke has been voted among the best 125s, both new and used, available.

The biggest update came in 2017, when it gained sharper styling, new dash and an upgraded engine. 

History of KTM 125 Duke

• KTM 125 Duke 2011-2016
• KTM 125 Duke 2017-2020
• KTM 125 Duke 2021-date
• KTM 200 Duke 2012-2016
• KTM 390 Duke 2013-date
• Next KTM 125 Duke

KTM 125 Duke 2011-2016

The KTM 125 Duke is the entry-level, A1-class, learner friendly model to the Austrian firm’s popular, naked roadster Duke family, which dates all the way back to the 1994, Supermoto-inspired 620 Duke, which was the previously off-road focused brand’s first road bike. The single-cylinder 620 was then succeeded by the 1998 625cc Duke II, then the 2008 654cc 690 Duke.

The 690 Duke then became the inspiration for a family of single-cylinder Dukes, first the 125 Duke in 2011, then the 200 Duke in 2012 and the 390 Duke in 2013. Since 2018 there has also been a 790 then 890 Duke, although these are twin cylinder machines.

The original 2011 KTM 125 Duke shared all the spirit and styling of the then 690 Duke but in a smaller, A1 learner-compliant package. As a result, it proved an immediate hit for its combination of style, fun and performance but still with novice-friendly manners. On the slight downside, its exposed, compact dimensions means it’s not at its best over distance, it’s not cheap, and there have been a few reliability issues.

However, its premium, ‘naked’ style and easy fun also means it can appeal to more than just learners. 

KTM 125 Duke 2017-2020 

After five years on sale it was clear the 125 Duke, although popular and a great success, was in need of an update. In 2016 a prototype version of the new bike was spotted undergoing pre-production testing.

This was then followed by the new 2017 KTM 125 Duke's official unveiling, along with its also updated 390 bigger brother.

The key differences were engine revisions to comply with Euro4 regulations, updated suspension, a fancy new TFT dash, larger fuel tank and new styling complete with sharp-looking LED headlight inspired by KTM’s range-topping 1290 Super Duke. It went as well as it looked, too!

There was, however, one recall for both the 125 and 390 to fix a problem with the new headlight.

KTM 125 Duke 2021-date

The only tweaks for the KTM 125 Duke in 2021 were subtle engine changes, to ensure noise and emissions met the latest Euro5 regulations plus changes to the paint scheme options.

However, in 2022, and clearly with an eye on future developments, KTM announced a ‘Design your Duke’ competition.

Furthermore, in 2023 KTM also announced a new £500 discount scheme on its 125cc models.

While also in 2023 ‘spy’ shots of what appears to be a new 125 Duke prototype emerged, further confirming the likelihood of a future updated model.

KTM 200 Duke 2012-2016

Although clearly not the same model as the KTM 125 Duke, the 2012 KTM 200 Duke is worth a mention here as it’s based on the 125, differing chiefly by its slightly larger capacity and improved performance.

This, of course, means that the KTM 200 Duke is not compliant with the A1 125cc learner classification. As such, and with a 390cc version also available, sales were poor and the 200 was dropped in 2016. It is, however, a fun, lightweight for those with a full or A2 licence, and one that shares many parts with the 125 Duke.

KTM 390 Duke 2013-date

A third variant of KTM’s lightweight, single-cylinder Duke is also worth a mention here: The 2013 KTM 390 Duke was launched in 2013. primarily at A2 licence-holders. 

Although visually similar to the KTM 125 Duke (and the 200 version) it’s actually based on the slightly larger 690 Duke. It, too, was updated, first in 2017 then again in 2021.

What to expect from the next KTM 125 Duke

More subtle changes have come for 2023 while, as a key member of the KTM line-up, further changes are likely in the future as the 125 Duke continues as a key entry point into its range.